New Playground passes inspection – Available for winter play

The City inspectors paid a visit to the Playground site last Tuesday (November 28) and, once additional parts were finally installed, they've given it a clean bill of health. So, for those families for whom a winter visit to the playground is a familiar thing, then you can explore and enjoy the new apparatus which has been installed during the winter months. The fences are still up around the areas which are not safe to visit, but if you come into the playground from the South end along 88 Street then you can play and use the Gazebo as well.

Next spring the cycle pathway will be installed and we might find ourselves fenced out for a short time after they pave that path and pour cement for the patio area. So, there will be another time when the playground is closed off, but for now enjoy the new gear and explore all the upgraded areas of the playground.

Argyll YOGA classes

Argyll Community is pleased to be able to present this Hatha Yoga Programme to both residents and the general public. Classes are held during winter and spring the lounge area of the hall each Monday evening from 7:30 — 9:00 PM.

This is Hatha Yoga with a focus on alignment, core stability and awareness of body and breath. Our instructor is Renee Giammarioli (an Argyll resident) who is a Yoga Association of Alberta Certified Yoga Instructor and is also a physiotherapist.

The fall 12-week session ends December 11th. Be on the lookout for announcements for the sessions which start in the new year (after Christmas). The winter and spring sessions are shorter than the fall session so the cost is lower.

We limit the class to 12 students. Contact Renee if you are planning to register. Also be sure to let her know if you have a recent injury or some physical limitations. You can call Renee at 780.903.1911.

Skating Rink

No skating this year

Snow Angels Program

Snow Angels is a broad, community based education campaign about snow removal which supports citizens who shovel regularly and those who help a neighbour out. Community Leagues who participate in the program will help promote and recognize people who shovel on a regular basis, as well as those who help neighbors in need. Argyll Community League has signed up to participate in the program. Participation in the Snow Angels programme will include prizes as well as recognition by our community league.

This winter, Argyll Community League is joining the Snow Angels programme. As a community, we want to encourage everyone to keep their sidewalks free of snow and ice. We also want to encourage residents to consider helping a neighbour. Many people in Argyll need help due to mobility or health issues and might not always ask for help. If you need help shoveling your walk, please contact Dave Trautman at 780.463.9310.

If you are a senior needing help shoveling your walk this winter, please contact the South East Edmonton Seniors Association: 780.468.1985.

This is our opportunity to make sure Argyll residents keep sidewalks safe for everyone and to help out our neighbors who might need assistance.

Volunteer "Snow Angels" will be eligible for a prize pack from Boston Pizza. Become a Snow Angel by:

Keeping your walk free of snow and ice

Shoveling a neighbour's walk

Starting a conversation with neighbours about the importance of clear sidewalks

Making a plan with your neighbours to share the shoveling

Letâs work together to keep our sidewalks clear. If you wish to report a Snow Angel for recognition contact Dave Trautman at the number above.

Stay tuned to this page through the winter for announcements about winners and the names of some "angels" in our neighbourhood.

Christmas Bureau of Edmonton

Are you struggling to make ends meed this Christmas?

They can help

Contact the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton for more information about how to apply for Christmas assistance. These include: a festive meal, toys for children (0–12 years), and gift cards for teens (13–17 years). Toys are from 630 CHED Santas Anonymous and gift cards are from Adopt-a-Teen.

The program is already underway and intake hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday to Friday.

New Playground

The delays of summer are over – the delays of winter begin. Construction on the playground began September 11th. The majority of work was expected to be completed by the end of October. We still expect to be cutting a ribbon on the playground at our annual summer family BBQ but there was no opportunity to pour concrete or to finish some of the infrastructure until the spring of 2018.

A revised schedule has the construction resuming some time in April when the ground is ready. Delays like this are fairly normal for such a project when it is undertaken so late in the season. Fortunately the apparatus have been installed (and approved), the soft wood-chip base has been placed and the drainage is working well. The "plaza" and sidewalks will be installed early in the spring.

We'd like to share two images of the way it will look when spring comes around again. A large diagram is also available as a PDF for those who like to see the details really close up.

The top image shows how the playground fits into the park area and expands to the West with a bike path and more trees. It also shows how the playground will be more integrated into the front garden and the side of the building. The bottom image is a 'rendering' of all the apparatus which will be installed into the play area. I believe the view is looking Southeast with the Gazebo at the right corner of the image - past the slides. The lower-left portion of the image is near the community hall.

Parent & Tot Playgroup

Our Parent & Tot Playgroup operates out of the community hall. The group use the lounge area of the hall on the last Friday of each month from 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon. The program is for parents/caregivers and their young children ages 0-5 to drop by and make friends with other families in Argyll as well as have fun. This is a free service for community residents and we ask you to bring your own snacks and beverages.

Day Home service available in Argyll

When children are engaged, safe and happy, and exposed to age appropriate toys, some redirection and positive discipline, they get to learn at their own pace. A day home has been operating in Argyll for a little while now and it was brought to our attention recently. If anyone in Argyll has been thinking of utilizing a day home service for their young children they might want to contact the person operating this home and see if there is room for their child.

They provide nutritious food and flexible planning with an emphasis on outdoor play. The children are encouraged to dance, sing and laugh. This is a fully Registered and Accredited Alberta Family Day Home in a large, bright, clean home with a fenced yard near schools, buses, playgrounds, green spaces and our ravine.

As an Approved Day Home with 20 years experience, training is kept current as well as Police Record Checks and Vulnerable Section Checks. An Alberta government subsidy is also available. They prefer children attend full time but will also take Before School and After School Care children. Past and present references are available immediately.

Contact Linda at roblinda@shaw.ca or call 780.431.0036 with questions. You can also get a second opinion from Southgate Medallion Family Day Home Agency (780.438.4012) and ask about Linda's Day Home in Argyll.

The Jammers

Each week a group of musicians spend a little time together playing songs and keeping time. They meet on Thursdays in the main hall of the Argyll Community Centre. They welcome any instrument you are willing to jam with. Electric and Acoustic instruments are both welcome.

If you want to sit-in on what they get up to each week, then contact Ken by phone and get the details for their next jam. You can come and sing, play along or just relax and enjoy the music and people. Call Ken780.466.8127 for more information.